Obit watch: October 30, 2025.

October 30th, 2025

Bjorn Andresen. There’s a certain lack of notability here, but I think it is offset by the sadness of this story.

Mr. Andresen was 15 when Luchino Visconti cast him as Tadzio, the object of desire in his adaption of “Death In Venice”.

Tadzio’s mere appearance bewitches the composer Gustav von Aschenbach, played in the film by Dirk Bogarde. They meet in an elevator, leaving Aschenbach spellbound as they lock eyes but do not speak. Aschenbach then follows Tadzio around the city and fantasizes about him as a kind of artistic and romantic muse, before growing sick and dying in a beach chair as he reaches toward the boy.

Visconti called him “the most beautiful boy in the world”.

Visconti was also fixated on Mr. Andresen. During the boy’s screen test, the director asked him to strip to his swimsuit.
“When they asked me to take off my shirt, I wasn’t comfortable,” Mr. Andresen told Variety after the release of “The Most Beautiful Boy in the World,” a 2021 documentary about him directed by Kristina Lindstrom and Kristian Petri. “I wasn’t prepared for that. I remember when he posed me with one foot against the wall, I would never stand like that.
“When I watch it now,” he said, “I see how that son of a bitch sexualized me.”
He told The Guardian that Visconti was “the sort of cultural predator who would sacrifice anything or anyone for the work.”

During the making of “Death in Venice,” Visconti acted protectively toward Mr. Andresen. But the boy felt unprepared when Visconti took him to a gay club after the film was shown at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1971.
In the documentary, Mr. Andresen recalled feeling besieged by “voracious looks, wet lips and rolling tongues” and getting drunk to cope with the unwanted attention. He wondered if Visconti, who was gay, was testing him to see if he was also gay, which he wasn’t.

Over the last 20 years or so, his flowing hair became gray and he obscured his face behind a beard that made him look something like Ian McKellen as the wizard Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” films.
Mr. Andresen continued to act, mostly on television in Sweden but also in films, including a memorable turn in Ari Aster’s 2019 horror movie, “Midsommar.” He was also a keyboard player in a dance band, a composer of jazz and bossa nova music, the arranger of the music for a Swedish production of “The Rocky Horror Show,” and the manager of a small theater in Stockholm.

Lawrence sent over an obit for Pierre Robert, long time Philadelphia DJ. The NYPost ran one as well.

His legendary career with WMMR spanned over 44 years, beginning in 1981 and became a constant voice for listeners in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware and parts of Maryland.

This isn’t quite an obit, but I don’t know where else to put it. I also don’t quite know how to write about it, so I’m just going to do the best I can.

Officer Lauren Craven of the La Mesa (California) Police Department was killed on October 23rd. She was 25 years old, and had joined the department in February of 2024.

She came upon a deadly rollover crash on Interstate 8 northeast of San Diego just before 10:30 p.m. last Monday, officials said.
She reported the incident over the radio before stepping out and walking toward a car that had flipped over.
Craven was struck by another car, which triggered a chain reaction, smashing into the vehicles involved in the initial crash.

David Pearce was sentenced yesterday.

Pearce met Christy Giles, 24, and Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola, 26, at a rave party in Los Angeles and lured them back to his place — plying them with fentanyl-laced coke and drugged drinks and then refusing to call for help when they overdosed.
A witness claimed Pearce said “dead girls don’t talk” when he begged the killer to call 911.
Instead, Pearce dragged their limp bodies into his Toyota Prius and dumped them on the sidewalk in front of two different hospitals.

After the girls were murdered and scumbag Pearce was charged, seven other women came forward and said they’d been assaulted by him.

It came out yesterday, during the sentencing, that one of those women was Ms. Craven.

Pearce assaulted Craven while she was unconscious in 2020, prosecutors said at trial. He was given six years for that crime, plus sentences of 15 years to life for the other rapes.

Pearce was sentenced to a total of 146 years in prison for his crimes…

She was assaulted by someone who isn’t even worth being called “human”, but she didn’t let that stop her. She worked her butt off to get through the police academy and get sworn in as an officer, and she died a hero.

Anybody else notice that there’s an awful lot of dust in the air today?

Obit watch: October 29, 2025.

October 29th, 2025

Holly Hill. She was 30 years old, a third-grade teacher, and had three kids.

On Valentine’s Day 2023, she went out to a Mexican restaurant in Elgin, Oklahoma, and ordered a margarita.

The margarita was contaminated with a corrosive industrial cleaner that burned a hole in her esophagus. Her death is being attributed to complications from the incident.

“Avoiding Poisoned Alcohol in Foreign Countries” from Active Response Training.

Briefly noted.

October 28th, 2025

Former LSU coach Brian Kelly’s $54 million buyout would bring the amount of money owed to FBS head football coaches fired this season to $167.7 million, according to publicly available data and reports.

The $168.1 million applies to coaches who have been fired since the start of the 2025 season and does not include coaches who were fired over the offseason.

Obit watch: October 28, 2025.

October 28th, 2025

Prunella Scales, actress. NYT (share link).

Other credits include “The Boys from Brazil”, “Wolf”, and “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1978).

Obit watch: October 27, 2025.

October 27th, 2025

For the record (I got behind over the weekend): June Lockhart. THR.

Other credits include “Babylon 5”, “The John Larroquette Show”, “C.H.U.D. II: Bud the Chud”, three episodes of “Quincy, M.E.”, “Sword of Justice”…and pretty much every other darn thing.

Except she never did a “Mannix”.

Your NFL loser update: week 8, 2025.

October 27th, 2025

They don’t call them the Cincinnati Bungles for nothing.

I apologize for being late in getting this up. I had a series of events (the good kind of event, not the bad kind) yesterday that had me out of the house until 7:30 PM. Among those events was driving down to Gruene to meet up with a relative I had not seen in at least 25 years, and maybe closer to 40. While it was fun, it’s also about 90 minutes each way in pretty heavy traffic, so I pretty much got home and went straight to bed.

Anyway, NFL teams that have a chance to go 0-17:

None.

Seriously, Cincinnati? 39-38?

Oh, well. There are still five winless teams in the NBA, and I’ll probably do an update on Friday.

Bonus firing:

Screenshot

Speaking of the war font…story here. ESPN. 34-14 over “four seasons”, but they’ve lost three out the past four games, and got beat 49-25 by Texas A&M on Saturday.

Texas A&M is 8-0. I’m wondering if there’s a chance that we might see a national champion from Texas this year…and it won’t be the one everyone expected at the start of the season.

Edited to add: also out now, LSU offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan. One story I saw said that the athletic director approached Brian Kelly and told him to fire Sloan. Kelly allegedly said “No, I want to fire these people instead,” and the response was to fire Kelly, then Sloan.

Praise where praise is due.

October 24th, 2025

We’re still dealing with the fallout from the July Hill Country floods. I’ve heard that there’s still one family missing a child from Camp Mystic. (The most recent story I could find said there were two people missing, but that’s from mid-September.)

On Wednesday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) honored a bunch of game wardens for bravery. Many (but not all) were honored for actions during the flooding.

TPWD press release here.

The Medal of Valor is the highest honor bestowed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Law Enforcement Division. This prestigious award recognizes employees who distinguish themselves through acts of extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of life-threatening danger. Recipients have demonstrated voluntary acts of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so exceptionally that they clearly set themselves apart.

Serving as the Tactical Flight Officer aboard TPWD helicopter N270PW, Sergeant Brent Biggs, Texas Game Warden Aviation, operated under treacherous conditions that placed his own life at immediate risk. Alongside Pilot Lt. Robert Mitchell and Helicopter Rescue Technician Game Warden Jacob Crumpton, he played a direct role in rescuing multiple individuals from the raging floodwaters of the Guadalupe River. A Kerrville native and former Kerr County Game Warden, Biggs utilized his knowledge of the area to help guide critical operations that saved lives during the event and contributed to evacuation and recovery efforts over the ensuing hours and days, including the evacuation efforts of flood-isolated Camp Mystic.

In extremely treacherous conditions, and at immediate risk to his own life and safety, serving as the Helicopter Rescue Technician aboard TPWD helicopter N270PW, Jacob Crumpton, Concho County Game Warden and SAR Team member, was lowered into fast-moving, debris-filled waters to extract stranded victims. His courage and commitment to the safety of others was instrumental in saving multiple lives. Additionally, he continued to serve after the initial swiftwater threat had passed, helping to evacuate stranded victims and contributed to recovery efforts.

Exhibiting extraordinary courage as pilot of TPWD helicopter N270PW, Lieutenant Robert Mitchell flew through extremely treacherous conditions and surroundings, demonstrating exceptional skill and composure while conducting aerial search and rescue operations along the Guadalupe River. He and his flight crew are directly responsible for rescuing multiple individuals from raging floodwaters during the early hours of the event. The continued efforts of Mitchell and his crew also contributed to the evacuation efforts of Camp Mystic. Mitchell’s actions reflect the highest standards of professionalism and selfless service.

That’s not all of them: I just picked a few off the list.

The Director’s Medal of Merit is presented to employees who have rendered exceptional service beyond the normal course of duty. This distinguished award recognizes acts or accomplishments that clearly exceed what is typically required or expected, or that make a significant contribution to the goals of the Department and the law enforcement profession.

Despite severe weather and hazardous flight conditions, Assistant Commander Brandon Rose, Texas Game Warden Aviation, exhibited exemplary service and skill as pilot of TPWD helicopter N350PW, leading his air crew in multiple missions that included inserting personnel and supplies into Camp Mystic, conducting aerial evacuations, and providing ongoing support for ground-based operations. His composure and expertise resulted in the safe transport of evacuees and critical resources throughout the response.

Operating in severe weather and dangerous conditions, Lieutenant Tyler Stoikes, Texas Game Warden Aviation, served as Tactical Flight Officer aboard TPWD helicopter N350PW. He and his crew conducted numerous missions that delivered supplies, evacuated victims and supported ongoing rescue and recovery efforts at Camp Mystic and surrounding areas. His technical skill and steady presence under pressure contributed greatly to the success and safety of all operations.

Despite the extreme weather and hazardous conditions, Sergeant Doug White, Texas Game Warden Aviation, served as Tactical Flight Officer aboard TPWD helicopter N350PW, working with his crew to execute multiple aerial missions that supported evacuations, delivered supplies and inserted personnel into flood-isolated Camp Mystic. His skill and dedication during the demanding operation were essential to its success.

The Director’s Citation honors employees whose dedication, judgment and perseverance have resulted in distinguished service beyond the normal course of duty.

Leveraging his mastery of TAK technology, Ryan Cobb, Kenedy County Game Warden and UAS Team member, rapidly deployed a live digital operating map to track active search areas, cleared zones and responding units, greatly improving situational awareness for field and command personnel. His integration of real-time tracking and coordination enhanced the safety and efficiency of search and rescue operations and post-event analysis.

Operating from the Kerr County Emergency Operations Center, Emily Slubar, Guadalupe County Game Warden and SAR Team member, established an Incident Command Post and directed resources to critical rescue areas, integrating efforts with Texas Task Force 1, the Department of Public Safety and other partner agencies. Drawing from experience gained during previous large-scale disasters, Slubar’s steady guidance ensured an efficient, unified response that directly improved the safety of both those affected by the floods and emergency responders.

The Director’s Lifesaving Citation is awarded to employees who, through decisive action, courage and sound judgment, directly contributed to saving a human life and extends beyond the normal course of duty.

In the early hours of Feb. 17, Houston County Game Wardens Curtis Brock and Conner Sumbera responded to a distress call from three stranded hunters in Big Slough Wilderness Area within Davy Crockett National Forest. Battling freezing temperatures and floodwaters, the wardens located and stabilized one hypothermic hunter at his truck before hiking over a mile to reach the other two. One was safe and the other was trapped across a flooded creek. Sumbera swam through the cold water to reach the man, secured him, and, with Brock’s assistance and Houston County SAR, safely brought him to shore. All hunters were treated by EMS and suffered no severe injuries.

I hope I’m not invading anyone’s privacy here, so I’ll just say Conner Sumbera is a relative of a close friend of the blog, which is why I singled him out. But you should go read the whole press release for yourself: all of these people deserve mad props, and should never have to pay for a drink when they’re out in public ever again.

Your Friday loser update: week 3, 2025.

October 24th, 2025

I had to go to the eye doctor this morning for a treatment, so I’m a little late getting this up. Also, my eyes are kind of messed up, so please to forgive any mistakes: if you leave a comment, I’ll fix them.

NHL teams that still have a chance to go 0-82:

None.

The San Jose Sharks won their first game of the season last night, and are now 1-6. This is the same record as the Tampa Bay Lightning. Just sayin’.

One door closes, another door opens.

NBA teams that still have a chance to go 0-82:

Boston Celtics
Detroit Pistons
Miami Heat
Indiana Pacers
Cleveland Cavaliers
Washington Wizards
Brooklyn Nets
Atlanta Hawks
New Orleans Pelicans
Denver Nuggets
Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers
Sacramento Kings
Los Angeles Lakers
LA Clippers
Dallas Mavericks

“What we know about the Billups-Rozier NBA gambling cases” from ESPN.

Bonus quote of the day (well, yesterday, I think):

Director Patel responds to Stephen A. Smith claiming today’s NBA gambling takedown was revenge from President Trump: “That may be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard from anyone in modern history, and I live most of my time in Washington DC. It’s right up there with Adam Schiff.”

Firings watch (plus, bonus legal news!)

October 23rd, 2025

I know I’ve been quiet the past few days. There just hasn’t been much going on. But today is shaping up to be interesting.

ESPN is reporting the arrest of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups. Also arrested: Terry Rozier, guard for the Miami Heat.

According to the NYPost:

Billups, an NBA Hall of Famer, has been charged with partaking in an alleged illegal poker ring tied to the Bonanno, Genovese and Colombo crime families, sources told The Post.
A total of 31 people across the country are charged with running rigged games, which took place in Manhattan, the Hamptons and Las Vegas, sources said.
The players involved were being paid by mobsters to play in card games fixed with technology and card shuffling machines to give the house the advantage, sources familiar with the case said.
The athletes were told to take a dive when they had to and win when they were told. It didn’t appear as if they were attempting to pay off any debts, sources said.

Rozier’s arrest is tied to another case.

Sportsbooks in multiple states flagged suspicious betting interest on Rozier’s statistics ahead of a Charlotte Hornets-New Orleans Pelicans game on March 23, 2023. An unexpected surge of bets — including 30 wagers in 46 minutes from a professional bettor totaling $13,759 — came in on the under on Rozier’s points, rebounds and assists, causing sportsbooks to halt betting on the veteran guard. Rozier, then with the Hornets, played just 10 minutes before leaving the game, citing a foot injury.

ESPN is suggesting this might also be tied to the Jontay Porter case.

Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and admitted in court to manipulating his performance in two games during the 2023-24 season. He is awaiting sentencing in December.
Four men, including Porter, have pleaded guilty in the case. Two other men have been named as conspirators and have been in plea negotiations, according to court filings.

And I did promise a firing, didn’t I? This is a sports firing, but it’s an odd one: Ken Williamson has been “permanently suspended” as a SEC referee.

…following eleven complaints against the seasoned official and his crew during the Auburn-Georgia game on Oct. 11, sources told Yellowhammer News on Wednesday.
“According to sources, nine of those complaints were validated by conference officials,” the outlet wrote.
The game’s biggest controversy came late in the second quarter, when Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold lost the ball near the one-yard line during a QB sneak and was recovered by Georgia cornerback Kyron Jones.
Though multiple angles from ABC’s broadcast appear to show Jackson crossing the goal line before the ball was punched out, officials ruled it a fumble — awarding the Bulldogs possession after the recovery.

Your NFL loser update: week 7, 2025. (Plus: firings!)

October 19th, 2025

NFL teams that still have a chance to go 0-17:

NY Jets

And the Sharks are 0-5 in the NHL.

Next week: the Bengals in Cincinnati. Cincinnati is 3-4, and a slight favorite at the moment.

The worthless Bills had a bye this week. The game with the worthless Chargers is in progress at the moment, and what is up with that alternate uniform?

In other news: Billy Napier out as head coach of the University of Florida. 22-23 overall in “three plus” seasons, and the team is 3-4 this season. ESPN.

Jay Norvell out as head coach at Colorado State. 18-26 overall, the team is 2-5 this season, and lost to Hawai’i yesterday. ESPN.

And a non-firing, non-loser update that I don’t have room for anywhere else: Curry College is a D-III school. They beat Nichols 71-27 yesterday, and rushed for 522 yards.

Oh, wait: did I say the team rushed for 522 yards? I mean one guy, running back Montie Quinn, rushed for 522 yards by himself. 20 carries, seven touchdowns, and a NCAA record.

Obit watch: October 17, 2025.

October 17th, 2025

The archiving service I use has been having issues all day, so I’m going to put this up without some links. If they fix the problems in the next day or two, I’ll go back and add them.

Kanchha Sherpa has passed away at the age of 92. (Paywalled link. Sorry.) He was the last surviving member of the Hillary-Norgay team that climbed Mount Everest.

Mr. Kanchha carried 60 pounds of gear, fixed ropes and scouted the trail for the team. Despite injury, cold, illness and hardship, “I got good work,” he told Climate Wire in 2011. “I got good clothing. It was good for me.”

More recently, he expressed concern about the large numbers of people climbing Everest and the environmental damage they caused.Still, as a mountain guide, he told Climate Wire: “If we stop the tourists to save the mountains, we don’t have anything to do. Just grow potatoes and eat and sit.”

Ace Frehley, of KISS. NYT (share link, should be free).

I don’t have much to say about Mr. Frehley, and I feel a little bad. But I was never a fan of Knights In Satan’s Service.

Susan Stamberg, NPR host famous for her “cranberry relish” recipe. Recipe here. NYT (non-archived, paywalled link. Sorry.)

American Handgunner, the print edition. The brand is going to continue in the form of online “newsletters”, and I think Guns is still going to be around.

But to me, this is awful news. AH is one of the few gun magazines I subscribed to, and I’m not sure if signing up for all the newsletters will get me the content I want. Sure, Dr. Dabbs will still be around, but what about the “Ayoob Files” and Ayoob’s monthly column? Will the “Guncrank Diaries” still exist? If not, who’s going to tell me stories, like the one about Elon Musk’s dad killing three cannibals with two bullets? And what if I want to go back and refer to something? The website is a little skirty about pulling up older articles, even if you are a paid subscriber.

I think I understand the reasons, and I still support the AH staff. But the older I get, the more change stinks.

Your NHL loser update: week 2, 2025.

October 17th, 2025

NHL teams that still have a chance to go 0-82:

San Jose Sharks

So we’re down to the Sharks in the NHL, and the Jets in the NFL.

It’s like “West Side Story” up in here.